It was Wayne Gretzky (appropriately known as The Great One) the Hall-of-Famer and all time Ice Hockey Magic Man who once said, “You will miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

I was reminded of this quote this past week as I took two shots, … and scored both times. Let it be said that two for two is not the norm. Allow me to share my stories with you . Two for twenty, thirty or forty might be closer to the truth. But just the same, if you can sneak a few past the goalkeeper now and then, I say “take them when you can and start your happy dance.

To speed things up while still relaying my message, I will resort to the old outline model.

Score!!!!! (Not the meeting at this point. The purpose was to introduce myself over the telephone. Hence = “Score.”

Example #2: I was interested in crossing off another item on my personal “bucket-list.” I wanted to test the waters to see if I could “barter” my services for the trip itself.

I identified person of position at target company.

I identified a common acquaintance.

I sent an email referencing our common acquaintance

Received email back suggesting a level of interest.

Scheduled phone call.

Enjoyed phone call.

Was asked “when I wanted to go.” (Score)

I plan to provide more value than expected.

In both instances my life would not have been altered or effected if neither proposition ended poorly. In fact, they could not have ended poorly since I had nothing at stake. If my “shots” missed I would keep skating and look for another opportunity to rear back, and let another one fly.

The truth is I have many more than “two” winning shots recorded on my score card. The reason for this is because I have taken thousands of shots that have missed the net entirely. Some of which have even left the building.

Keep shooting people. And while you are at it, you might want to polish up your “happy-dance,” because your day will come.

Need more uplifting reminders? Join my Inner-Circle Sales & Marketing Club. It is not for everybody but it definitely is for somebody. Perhaps that somebody is you.